White County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A White County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for concealing information that disqualifies her and her children from the program.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the assistance of the White County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of Sarah A. Reece, 37, of Sparta. She is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services over $10,000. Authorities say she falsely reported her income and failed to report that her minor children had access to private insurance in order to obtain approximately $24,806.21 in TennCare health benefits and prescription benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
“Tennesseans demand that tax dollars spent for legitimate medical services for those who are eligible for and in need of healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “We are aggressively pursuing and prosecuting these cases across the state.”
District Attorney General Bryant C. Dunaway is prosecuting. TennCare fraud is now a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony which carries a sentence of up to six years in prison.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,920 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.
Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions. Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 800-433-3982 toll-free from anywhere in Tennessee, or visit the website and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”